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HomeMy WebLinkAbouttecp_101194TRAFT"C ENGINEERING COMN"TTEE UKIAH CIVIC CENTER Council Chambers 300 Seminary Avenue Ukiah, California 95482 OCTOBER 11, 1994 5:30 P.M. AGENDA KENNEDY, BUDROW, FERNANDEZ, FORD, HARRIS, WOODS AND TURNER I. CALL TO ORDER II. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: SEPTEMBER 13, 1994 III. AUDIENCE COMMENTS ON NON-AGENDA ITEMS The Traffic Engineering Committee welcomes input from the audience. In order for everyone to be heard, please limit your comments to three (3) minutes per person and not more than 10 minutes per subject. The Brown Act regulations do not allow action to be taken on audience comments. IV. DISCUSSION/ACTION ITEMS: NEW BUSINESS a. Presentation of Downtown Parking Master Plan -Larry DeKnoblough, Assistant Redevelopment Director UNFINISHED BUSINESS a. Report from Sub-Committee on Proposed Solutions for Highland Avenue V. COMMITTEE MEMBER REPORTS VI. MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS VII. ADJOURNMENT R:I \TEC A101190 TRAFFIC ENGINEERING COMMITTEE UKIAH CIVIC CENTER Council Chambers 300 Seminary Avenue Ukiah, California 95482 SEPTEMBER 13, 1994 MINUTES MEMBERS PRESENT BUDROW, Kenneth FERNANDEZ, William FORD, Stephen KENNEDY, Rick WOODS, Larry TURNER, Steve - Chairman STAFF PRESENT Kathy Kinch Recording Secretary MEMBERS ABSENT HARRIS, Mike OTHERS PRESENT Paul Durbin The Traftic Engineering Committee meeting was called to order by Chairman Turner at 5:31 p.m. RoII was called with the results listed above. APPROVAL OF MINUTES -.IDLY 12. 1994 Chairman Turner made a correction on Page 3, Paragraph 6, change Member Scott to Member Woods to read: "ON A MOTION by Committee Member Woods, seconded by ..." ON A MOTION by Member Kennedy, seconded by Member Fernandez, it was carried by an all AYE vote to approve the minutes of July 12, 1994 as amended. AUDIENCE COMMENTS ON NON-AGENDA ITEMS Chairman Turner read the "Audience Comments on Non-Agenda Items" to those present. MINUTES OF THE TRAFFIC ENGINEERING COMMITTEE SEPi'EMBER 13. 1994 1 DISCUSSION/ACTION ITEMS: NEW BUSINESS c. Request to Install Barricade on Highland Avenue Smnh of Clay Street to Eliminate through Street - Paul Durbin Member Kennedy advised he received a petition signed by several residents along Highland Avenue, Highland Court, and Highland Drive requesting a barricade be erected in the vicinity of 493 Highland Avenue or 350 Highland Avenue for the purpose of eliminating Highland Avenue as a through street. Highland Avenue is currently posted as a one-way street fur northbound traffic between an existing driveway, which is approximately I50 feet south of Clay Street, and its intersection with Highland Court. Because of its sharp curves and steep grades, this portion of Highland Avenue has become attractive to thrill-seeking motorists going the wrong way at high rates of speed and have left the roadway and damaged private property. As indicated by most of the petitioners, the 493 Highland Avenue location is preferred location for a barricade. Chairman Turner read a memorandum from Fire Marshal, Roger Sprehn. The Fire Department opposes the installation of a barricade on any public street. Such a device would limit emergency access to the area, regardless of its design. Highland Avenue in this portion is the only access to an area of critical importance and potential danger from wildfire threatening homes or a home tire threatening wildland. Evacuation of residents would also be effected by a barricade, possibly placing residents in a more hazardous location because their exit route was blocked or believed to be blocked. Fire apparatus would also need room to turn around. If a barricade was installed at the preferred location it would not be enough room to make a turn around maneuver on this street. Member Budrow advised after discussions with the Operations Commander the Police Department opposes the installation of a barricade on any public through street. Paul Durbin, 54 Highland Drive, advised he is requesting the barricade to keep out out-of-area traftc who are travelling at high rates of speed and who have left the roadway damaging his property (his front yard is damaged by motorist travelling at high speeds at least twice a year.) Currently, there is posted a one-way sign that is ignored by most motorists. There is sufficient turn-around on both sides of the proposed barricade fora 35 foot fire apparatus to turn-around, and fire hydrants on both sides of the proposed barricade location. The proposed barricade would have a breakaway design. Member Kennedy advised the purpose of the barricade is to stop vehicles from entering the wrong way. The road is a one-way north, beginning at Highland Court and terminates approximately 150 feet south of Clay Street. Posted above the last driveway is a "Do Not Enter" sign, and motorist are ignoring the sign. Member Ford expressed the street should he a two-way street, and noted the street is not heavily travelled by vehicles. He inquired during what hours of the day do these type of incidents happen. Mr. Durbin responded during various hours of the day. Member Fernandez suggested the installation of speed humps. MINUTES OF THE TRAFFIC ENGINEERING COMMITTEE SEPTEMBER 13, 1994 Chairman Turner advised he received a written comment from Member Harris advising he concurs with the recommendation of the City Engineer. He is requesting that all affected residents are notified and those residents most impacted have a say in exact location of harricade, and signs of "Not a Through Street" should be posted. Member Ford advised is opposed to barricades on public streets. Member Woods inquired how many years have these incidents been occurring. Mr. Durbin advised he has lived at 54 Highland Drive for 14 years, however, does not have an exact number of how many incidents. Member Kennedy advised there are motorists entering the street from the wrong direction, therefore, he supports the request of the petitioners and recommends the barricade have a breakaway design. There are other streets, such as Helen that do not have adequate turn-around for fire and police vehicles. Discussion followed regarding alternatives to resolve the problem that are not restrictive ro the Police and Fire Departments; motorist are disregarding the one-way sign; the barricade will not eliminate vehicles travelling at high rates of speed; installing a harricade will be creating a precedent for other public streets; the street is not heavily travelled; and a vehicle travelling at excessive speed can loose control on speed humps. ON A MOTION by Member Kennedy, the Traffic Engineering Committee recommend to the City Council that Highland Avenue be eliminated as a through street and that a barricade be installed approximately in the vicinity of Site A as proposed. Motion failed ON A MOTION by Member Budrow, seconded by Member Ford, it was carried by the following vote, the Traffic Engineering Committee deny the request, and recommends Highland Avenue remain as a through street. AYES: Members Budrow, Ford, Woods and Chairman Turner. NOES: Member Kennedy. ABSENT: Member Harris. Member Kennedy advised Mr. Durbin can petition the City Council. Chairman Turner appointed Members Budrow and Ford to review other alternatives of a barricade and return all infurmation to the Committee at the October meeting. Member Kennedy advised the residents within this area will he notified to receive comments to the request. a. Request to Change Two-Way Stop Requirement at Clay and School Streets from East-West Stop on Clay to North-South Stop on School; Chanl*e Four-Wa,~p at Clay and Oak Street to Two- Wav Stop on Oak Street. Clay Street to become through Street from State to Dora -City Manaeer Member Kennedy advised with the planned construction of the Downtown Plaza and the adjacent parking lot, Staff is recommending that Clay Street from State Street to Dora Street become a through street to MINUTES OF THE TRAFFIC ENGINEERING COMMITTEE SEPTEM6ER 13, 1994 facilitate circulation and entry into the new facilities. Recently, Stephenson Street between State and School was vacated to facilitate the Plaza. For Clay Street to become a through Street, it is necessary that the existing tour-way stop at Oak and Clay be changed to a two-way stop on Oak and the existing two-way stop on Clay at School be reversed by requiring a stop on School. Chairman Turner advised he received a written comment from Member Harris advising he concurs with the recommendation of the City Engineer. This will facilitate circulation and use of the new parking lot. With the new diagonal parking on School Street, a stop sign at Clay Street will be necessary for visibility. Chairman Turner inquired about the completion date of the extension of Clay Street, across the railroad tracks, through to Leslie Street. Member Kennedy advised that the extension will not be completed during this fiscal year, however, the construction may be funded by Redevelopment. Monies have been budgeted this year for appraisal work and some right-of-way acquisition. Member Budrow inquired if there are plans for traffic signals on State and Clay Streets. Member Kennedy advised not at this time. Member Ford expressed a concern on the installation of traffic signals on State Street, a vehicle cannot travel north/south through town without stopping at a traffic signal every two to three blocks. The signals are not coordinated due to the parking and left turns on State Street. Stop signs installed on Main Street will create motorists to use neighborhood streets. Member Kennedy advised in the 1994/95 budget there are funds available for a consultant to review the possibility of interconnecting all traffic signals on State Street. Discussion followed regarding the possibility of Clay and State Streets becoming a signalized intersection, the access up to State Street, creating possible traffic back-up, and the installation of a stop sign on Main Street; creating more stops on through streets, and the possibility of traffic using neighborhood streets. ON A MOTION by Member Kennedy, seconded by Member Woods, it was carried by the following vote, the Traffic Engineering Committee recommend to the City Council Co approve the request to change two-way stop requirement at Clay and School Streets from east-west stop on Clay to north-south stop on School, and to change four-way stop at Clay and Oak Street to two-way stop on Oak Street. Clay Street to become through Street from State to Dora. AYES: Members Budrow, Fernandez, Kennedy, Woods and Chairman Turner. NOES: Member Ford. b. Reuuest to Change Prisoner Unloading/Loading Parking Restriction on Perkins Street from 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. to 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. -County Sheriff Member Kennedy advised the Puhlic Works Department received a verba] request from the County Sheriffs office to change the restricted parking hours for the three (3) parking spaces on the north side of Perkins Street, just east of School Street, which are used for prisoner loading/unloading. Currently, the spaces are posted for restricted parking from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Because of the amount of on- street parking activity that occurs along this portion of Perkins between the hours of 7:30 a.m. and 8:00 a.m., the Sheriffs Department has not been able to use these parking spaces during this time which, apparently, may be a peak time for them. MINUTES OF THE TRAFFIC ENGINEERING COMMTITEE SEPTEMBER 13, 1994 Chairman Turner advised he received a written comment from Member Harris advising he concurs with this recommendation. Member Ford advised the posted time listed should be a solid block, not several posted time listings Discussion followed regarding parking availability for other businesses within the area; and the availability of parking on School Street for customers of Schat's Bakery. ON A MOTION by Member Ford, seconded by Member Fernandez, it was carried by an all AYE vote, the Trattic Engineering Committee recommend to the City Council to approve the request to change prisoner unloading/loading parking restriction on Perkins Street from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. to 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. d. Request for Red Curh between Driveways at 841 South Dora -Mr. and Mrs. Gilles Member Kennedy advised the Traftc Engineering Committee received a written request fora "No Parking" zone along the curb between the driveways located at 841 and 843 South Dora Street. According to the requesters, there is an ongoing problem with their driveway being blocked by customers of the business located to the north. Our Held check indicates that the distance between the opposing driveway transitions is 12 feet. This distance does not permit adequate room for parallel parking. It is noted that Section 22500 of the Vehicle Code prohibits the parking of a vehicle in front of a public or private driveway. Chairman Turner advised he received a written comment from Member Harris advising he concurs with the City Engineers recommendation. Discussion followed regarding a small compact vehicle or motorcycle can park legally within one foot beyond each driveway; in regards to maintenance a red curb is preferred for short distances, and a NO PARKING sign is preferred for areas of a longer distance; vehicles parking within this area are customers of businesses within this area. ON A MOTION by Member Budrow, seconded by Member Woods, it was carried by an all AYE vote, the Traffic Engineering Committee recommends to the City Council to approve the request for red curb zone between driveways at 843 and 841 South Dora Street. e. Request for Crosswalk at Oak and Mill -Beverly. Mayacama Industries Member Kennedy advised a request was received for a painted crosswalk across Mill at Oak Street. It is recognized that many motorists traveling on Mill in the vicinity of Oak are exceeding the speed limit of 25 m.p.h. It is perceived by many that a painted crosswalk will serve as notice to the motorist of pedestrian traffic and it will provide more protection to the pedestrian. Statf does not agree with this perception and refers to the tindings of the San Diego report on Pedestrian Crosswalks. It is believed that painted crosswalks give pedestrians a false sense of security. Chairman Turner advised he received a written comment from Member Harris advising he concurs with the recommendation of the City Engineer. MINUTES OF THE TRAFFIC ENGINEERING COMMITTEE SEPTEMBER 13. 1994 Chairman Turner suggested that Mayacama Industries use the existing crosswalks, east bound at the intersection of School and Mill Streets, go to the signalized intersection of Mill and State Street and cross south bound. Discussion followed regarding painted crosswalks do not insure pedestrian safety, and there is a potential for higher accident rate at intersections where there are painted crosswalks because of the misconception among pedestrians; and the Vehicle Code states any intersection, including a "T" intersection, is a legal crosswalk, with or without painted lines, unless posted otherwise. ON A MOTION by Chairman Turner, seconded by Member Kennedy, it was carried by an all AYE vote, the Traffic Engineering Committee deny the request for a crosswalk across Mill Street at Oak Street based on the findings there is no safety improvement with or without painted lines, and based on the ITE information sheet. The Committee suggest Mayacama Industries consider another central route. f. Request to Remove Reserved Parking Space for the Disahled on the West Side of School Street between Standley and Smith -Public Works Department Member Kennedy advised the street improvements associated with the new Savings Bank building have been completed, it is time to re-stripe the diagonal parking on the west side of School Street between Standley and Smith Streets. Currently, there is authorized a single disabled parking space approximately mid-block. Although the reserved sign has been removed (during reconstruction of improvements) the pavement marking is still visible. II is noted that the Bank has provided two (2) disabled parking spaces within their off-site parking lot along the north face of the building. One (1) additional parking space can be gained with the elimination of the reserved parking space. Chairman Turner read Member Harris comments to the Committee. Member Harris inquired how does this tit with the proposed Downtown Parking Plan? Is a loading/unloading area required? Shoutd this area he designated for l2 minutes or other as was proposed sometime ago? Would this area serve other businesses in the block to the south, or across the street? Do not have a specific position without this information. Discussion followed regarding new reserved parking spaces for the disables! on-site located within the parking lot. ON A MOTION by Member Budnlw, seconded by Member Kennedy, it was carried by an all AYE vote, the Traffic Engineering Committee approve the request to remove reserved parking space for the disabled on the west side of School Street between Standley and Smith Streets and he redesignated as a parking space available to the public. g. Request for the Installation of a 25 M.P.H. Speed Zone Sign for South Bound Orchard Avenue South of Gobbi Street -Police Captain Ken Budrow Member Kennedy advised Police Captain Budrow has requested that the Public Works Department install a 25 M.P.H. speed zone sign for southbound traffic on Orchard Avenue, just south of Gobbi Street. Orchard Avenue, between Marlene and Gobbi, is wide and induces motorists to increase vehicle speed along this section of road. MINUTES OF THE TRAFFIC ENGINEERING COMMITTEE SEPTEMBER 13. 1994 6 It is noted that pursuant to Section 515 of the Vehicle Code, a Residential District is defined as a portion of roadway and the property contiguous to it upon one side of which, within a distance of a quarter mile, the contiguous properties are occupied by 13 or more separate dwelling houses or upon both sides of which there are 16 dwelling houses or business structures. Section 240 sets limitations on structures which are to be counted. No building is to he regarded unless its entrance faces the highway and the front of the building is within 75 feet of the roadway. Pursuant to Vehicle Code Section 22352, the prima facie speed limit within a Residential or Business District is 25 M.P.H. unless a different speed is determined by local authority under procedures set forth by the Code. Pursuant to Vehicle Code Section 21357, speed restriction signs may, but need not, be erected upon any highway at the entrance into a Residential District unless required under Chapter 2, Division 11. The approximate distance along Orchard Avenue between Cindee Drive and the creek is 1,000 feet. Along this portion of Orchard Avenue there are ten (10) residential structures and one vacant lot that front the east side, and three (3) residential structures and 10 driveway cuts along the west side. Within 320 feet south of the creek there are three units of fourplexes that face north and south which do not meet the criteria identified in Vehicle Code Section 240. This portion of Orchard Avenue does not meet the criteria of a Residential District at this time. It is recommended that the Public Works Department make another structure count in tour (4) months to determine if this section of Orchard Avenue can be classified as a Residential District. Chairman Turner advised in a written comment from Member Harris advising he concurs with the structure count in tour months, however, it may he a defacto residential area. The planned development for the area south of Gobbi Street to Marlene allows 130+ dwelling units, though permits have not been issued. Once the area has grown the 25 M.P.H. will be necessary. Member Budrow advised the Department has received an OTS Grant for the purchase of a radar trailer that will display, at the same time, vehicle speed and the posted speed limit. The radar trailer has a solar energy panel which will allow the radar trailer to be located in an area for a certain length of time. A Police Unit will be placed within the area with a radar gun checking speeds. Officers have reported vehicles travelling at excessive speeds from stop sign to stop sign from Marlene on the Orchard Avenue extension. ON A MOTION by Chairman Turner, seconded by Member Kennedy, it was carried by an all AYE vote, the Traffic Engineering Committee deny the request for the installation of a 25 M.P.H. speed zone sign for southbound Orchard Avenue, south of Gobbi Street, and recommend the Public Works Department perform another structure count upon structural completion of the i6th home. h. Request for Permission to Install Activity Sign with Public Ri€tht-of-Way -Ukiah Players Theatre Member Kennedy advised Doug Hundley, Ukiah Players Theatre, is requesting a directional sign which would include activity messages as a form of advertising. The traffic manual states: MINUTES OF THE TRAFFIC ENGINEERING COMMITTEE SEPTEMBER 13, 1994 7 Guide signs are essential to guide the motorist along the streets and highways, to inform them of intersecting routes, to direct them to cities, towns, villages, or other important destinations, to identity nearby rivers and streams, parks, forests, and historical sites, and generally to give such information as will help them along their way in the most simple, direct manner possible. Signs which provide questionable traffic service and are requested primarily for recognition or advertising purposes shall not be installed. No sign or its support shall bear any commercial advertising material except Specitic Service signs authorized by Statute. No flashing lights or distracting legend shall be placed nn guide signs. Chairman Turner advised in a written comment from Member Harris advising he concurs and agrees that off premise signs are not appropriate. Directional signs should be limited to "essential services". Event boards off-site can be easily abused, and other means of advertising should be employed. Chairman Turner advised he is not opposed to a directional sign, but is opposed to an activity sign. Member Budrow advised he is not opposed to a directional sign, but is opposed to an activity sign. Discussion followed regarding activity signs along streets; the Chamher of Commerce office offers this information; and installing a directional sign for the theatre similar to the one for the Museum. ON A MOTION by Member Budrow, seconded by Memher Fernandez, it carried by an all AYE vote, the Traffic Engineering Department deny the request for permission to install activity sign within public right-of-way, and recommend [o the Ukiah Players Theatre a proposal for a directional sign, and Staff to advise the Ukiah Players Theatre that they may want to request a directional sign only. UNFINISHED BUSINESS a. City Policy Re ardin Pg arkin>; on Narrow Streets Member Kennedy presented to the Committee a copy of Section 7149 of the Municipal Code on Parking Prohibited on Narrow Streets. Chairman Turner advised in a written comment from Memher Harris advising he recommends no change to Section 7149. ON A MOTION by Member Kennedy, seconded by Member , it was carried by all AYE vote, the Traffic Engineering Committee to continue City policy regarding parking on narrow streets to the October meeting. COMMITTEE MEMBER REPORTS Member Kennedy advised he received a letter from Carol K. Gottfried, 795 North Bush, regarding traffic speed on Pine and Gibson and Clara and Ford Streets. He noted this item is informational only, no action required. MINUTES OF THE TRAFFIC ENGINEERING COMMITTEE SEPTEMBER 13, 1994 g Traftic Calming Committee -Member Kennedy advised he nothing to report at this time. MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS Chairman Turner inquired about the status on the request for elimination of on-site parking along Church Street at Spring. He requested that the Director of Public Works/City Engineer send a letter to all residents within this area to receive comments to the request. It was the consensus of the Committee to continue this item to the October meeting. Chairman Turner inquired about the status on the red curb at Garret and North Bush. Member Kennedy responded the Public Works Department will paint the curb red. Member Budrow advised the Police Department is not receiving adequate notitication on event permits and street closures issued by the County and City. AD.IOURNMENT There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 7:30 p.m. t2"791~ Steve Turner, Chairman 1, ,._. _ J ~ , - Kathy Kinch, Recor ng Secretary B:1\TEQkt M091390 MINUTES OF THE TRAFFIC ENGINEERING COMMITTEE SEPTEMBER 13, 1994 M•E•M•O•R•A•N•D•U•M DATE: September 19, 1994 TO: City Council Members FROM: Rick H. Kennedy, Director of Public Works/City Engineer RE: MINUTES OF THE TRAFFIC ENGINEERING COMMITTEE OF SEPTEMBER 13, 1994 Please find attached a copy of the draft minutes of the Traffic Engineering Committee meeting of September 13, 1994. The minutes have additional information on items presented in the City Council agenda. UKIAH FIRE DEPARTMENT MEMORANDUM DATE: SEPTEMBER 13, 1994 TO: KEN BUDROW; TRAFFIC ENGINEERING COMMITTEE FROM: ROGER SPREHN; FIRE MARSHAL SUBJECT: PROPOSAL FOR BARRICADE ON HIGHLAND AVENUE The Fire Department opposes the installation of a barricade on any public street. Such a device would limit emergency access to the area, regardless of its design. Highland Avenue in this portion is the only access to an area of critical importance and potential danger from wildfire threatening homes or a home fire threatening wildland. Evacuation of residents would also be effected by a barricade, possibly placing residents in a more hazardous location because their exit route was blocked, or believed to be blocked. Fire apparatus would also need room to turn around if a barricade were installed. There is not enough room for this maneuver on this street.